Internship and Community Outreach Associate

SUNY College of Optometry is looking for an Internship and Community Outreach Associate. The Internship and Community Outreach Associate will engage with prospective students through recruitment and bridging programs while also supporting current optometry students through clinical training initiatives. This position is based in the Student Affairs Department.

Under the direction of the Director of Career Development and the CSTEP Project Director, the coordinator will play a key role in expanding and managing the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP). This state-sponsored program provides economically disadvantaged students with opportunities to explore and gain hands‑on experience in the field.

In addition, the coordinator will support Career Development programming, as well as shadowing and outreach initiatives.

Increase awareness of the optometry profession and promote internship opportunities among diverse communities.

• Plan and execute initiatives to raise awareness of the optometry profession, including travel to high schools, undergraduate institutions, and regional/state meetings.
• Represent the College at recruitment and outreach events.
• Promote departmental programs to prospective and current students through social media, newsletters, and digital promotional materials.

• Schedule and manage logistics for campus visits related to CSTEP and pathway programs, including tours, informational sessions, and meetings for prospective students.
• Collaborate with various offices to streamline visit requests and ensure smooth experiences for visiting groups.

• Build and maintain relationships with local high schools, colleges, and community partners to promote internship opportunities.
• Develop new partnerships and explore innovative methods to enhance the student internship experience.

• Track and analyze data on internship participation, student outcomes, and program effectiveness.
• Partner with other departments to organize vision screenings, promoting both the College’s mission and public understanding of optometry.

• Help to organize and manage students interested in shadowing at the SUNY Optometry University Eye Center (UEC).
• Interface with clinical administration staff to confirm that each student is set up for success.
• Supervise graduate work‑study students to make sure the program runs smoothly.

• Coordinate travel logistics for outreach activities and external recruitment events.
• Manage the budget as outlined by the CSTEP Program Director.

• Bachelor’s degree in education, communications, or a related field.
• Minimum of one year of experience in an academic setting.
• Ability to build rapport with undergraduate and graduate students.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Dependable, reliable, and detail-oriented.
• Ability to multitask effectively and manage competing priorities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Minimum of one year of experience working with clients, including customers, students, or similar populations.
• Proficiency with relevant software and tools for project management and data analysis.
• Experience with event planning and management.
• Experience with social media outreach and engagement.
• Ability to travel throughout New York State, primarily within the five boroughs, with occasional travel outside the boroughs.

• Pursuing or completed a Master’s degree.
• Experience working in a pipeline program.
• Experience in a clinical academic facility.
• Experience working in higher education.
• Familiarity with outreach and community engagement strategies.
• Experience with event planning and coordination.

Salary range is $50k to 58K and there is also a generous benefit package. Fifteen days of annual leave per year and thirteen paid holidays per year. We are a qualifying employer in the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program. View our Benefits at Glance
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The State University of New York College of Optometry is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, familial status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristics, military status, domestic violence victim status, criminal conviction, or retaliation.

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